A look at the matchups for the Detroit Lions' Sunday meeting with the New York Giants:

Detroit Lions offense vs. New York Giants defenseWhen the Lions talk about the inability to get out of their own way, they're talking about the team's offense.

Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush are two of the more talented players at their positions, but even they've been prone to the mistakes plaguing the offense. Add quarterback Matthew Stafford's struggles down the stretch, and it's like driving a sports car with two blown tires.

On the other side, the Giants defense isn't what it used to be, but it's still pretty good. New York is 12th against the pass and 13th against the run. They've been even better as of late, allowing opponents to rush for just 66 yards per game and throw for 201 the past three contests.

As usual, New York's defensive success is defined its front four, led by Justin Tuck's nine sacks and six tackles for a loss. Veteran safety Antrel Rolle paces a deceptively productive secondary with a league-leading six interceptions.

Edge: Even

Detroit Lions defense vs. New York Giants offenseLike the Lions, the Giants haven't been able to protect the football this season. They lead the NFL with 39 giveaways.

It all starts with the brutal play of the team's offensive line, which has led to Eli Manning being one of the league's most pressured quarterbacks. He hasn't responded well to the pressure. He's already matched a career-high with 25 interceptions and leads the league in the category.

The Lions have been up and down on defense, but they've been consistent against the run if you ignore the snow bowl in Philadelphia. The front seven should be able to continue that success against New York's subpar ground game. It will be up to the defensive line to be disruptive when Manning drops back to pass.

Edge: Lions

Special TeamsIf any player is likely to get the best of the opponent on special teams, it will be Lions return man Jeremy Ross. Since taking over the duties a month back, he's been electric. The Giants have struggled covering punts, allowing three touchdown returns this season.

The Lions punt coverage unit, on the other hand, has been stellar. Plus, Giants return man Rueben Randle doesn't present nearly the same threat as many of the other returners the Lions have bottled up this season.

The kicking game is a wash. New York's Josh Brown has been slightly more accurate this year, but he hasn't shown the same range as David Akers.

Edge: Lions

CoachingTom Coughlin's disciplinarian style hasn't always been popular with his players, but he's a proven winner. Yes, the Giants are 5-9 this year, but this is Coughlin's first losing season in nine years. He also has a winning record in the playoffs and two Super Bowl titles under his belt.

What more can be said about Jim Schwartz as the Lions go through yet another second-half collapse? In five seasons in Detroit, he's compiled a 29-49 mark, and with another loss, the Lions will miss the postseason for the fourth time in five seasons.

Edge: Giants

IntangiblesAsked what the Giants have to play for at this stage, Manning offered generic answers about football being the players' job and just wanting to compete. Well, the Lions are still playing for something more tangible -- a playoff berth.

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries to key players, but none more than the season-ending ailments suffered by Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz last week. Operating primarily out of the slot, Cruz has been Manning's top target all season.

Edge: Lions

Predictions

Justin Rogers: Lions 24, Giants 20 -- The Lions should roll a lousy Giants team in a home game that matters far more to Detroit than New York. But this team hasn't thrived when faced with expectations this year. I still think the Lions will keep their playoff hopes alive, at least until the end of the day.

Kyle Meinke: Lions 27, Giants 17 -- Matthew Stafford has 10 picks in his past five games, which is bad. But Eli Manning has turned over the ball almost as frequently, and done it over the whole season with 25 picks in 14 games. Detroit isn't very good, but New York is even worse.